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Purloin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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purloin

[หˆpษœหrlษ”ษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

steal

To purloin means to steal something, typically in a sneaky or deceitful manner. It involves taking something without permission or unlawfully. Purloining is often done discreetly to avoid detection.

Synonyms

filch, snatch, steal, swipe, thieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
purloin

This word is often used when someone takes something in a sneaky or secretive manner. It is more formal and can imply a subtle or cunning act.

  • She managed to purloin a rare book from the library without anyone noticing.
  • A confidential document was purloined from the CEO's office.
steal

A very general term for taking something that doesn't belong to you. It can be used for all types of theft, from minor to serious crimes.

  • He was caught trying to steal a car.
  • They steal office supplies on a regular basis.
thieve

Similar to 'steal', but it emphasizes the action from the perspective of a thief. It can sound slightly more archaic or literary.

  • He made a living by thieving from unsuspecting travelers.
  • They've been thieving in the neighborhood for months.
swipe

This term is colloquial and often used for taking something quickly and casually, often without much planning. It can sound less serious compared to 'steal'.

  • She swiped a cookie from the tray when no one was looking.
  • Someone swiped my phone from the table.
filch

Use 'filch' when referring to stealing small or petty items, often in a crafty or stealthy manner. It's a less severe term for theft with a slightly colloquial tone.

  • He filched some coins from his mom's purse.
  • The kid filched a piece of candy from the store.
snatch

This word is used when something is taken quickly and often forcefully, usually from someone else's possession. It implies sudden and direct action.

  • A thief snatched her purse on the crowded street.
  • He snatched the paper from my hands before I could react.

Examples of usage

  • He purloined some money from the cash register when no one was looking.
  • The thief managed to purloin the valuable painting from the museum.
  • She was caught trying to purloin a necklace from the department store.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Various famous literary works feature characters who purloin items, often creating conflict, such as in Robert Louis Stevensonโ€™s 'Treasure Island.'
  • In Shakespearian plays, characters sometimes engage in purloining, leading to comical or tragic situations, reflecting human nature.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the tendency to purloin can be tied to impulse control; individuals with lower impulse control may be more likely to steal.
  • The thrill or excitement related to purloining can trigger a dopamine release, making the act of stealing feel rewarding.

Pop Culture

  • Popular heist films often center around characters who purloin valuable items, such as 'Ocean's Eleven', where clever planning is key to success.
  • The act of purloining is sometimes glamorized in modern media, portraying thieves as anti-heroes, which can influence public perception of stealing.

Legal Context

  • In law, purloining is often categorized as theft, which can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
  • Intellectual property laws also address purloining ideas, particularly in fields like art, literature, and technology, to protect creators.

Origin of 'purloin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'purloyn', which was derived from the Old French 'pourloigner', meaning 'to put away' or 'to steal.'
  • The prefix 'pur-' means 'for' or 'away', and 'loigner' means 'to remove' in French, creating the idea of taking something away.

The word 'purloin' originated in the late 15th century from the Anglo-French word 'purloigner', which means 'put away', 'remove' or 'steal'. It was influenced by the Old French word 'purloigner', which has similar meanings. Over time, 'purloin' came to specifically refer to stealing or pilfering in a secretive or dishonest manner. The word has retained this connotation throughout its history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,846, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.